Psychosocial implications of blindness and low-vision

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Abstract. This article discusses several aspects of psychosocial adjustment to blindness and low-vision and proposes that the education of both the self and society are essential for positive adjustment. It exposes some of the general misunderstandings about visual impairment and demonstrates how these are partly responsible for the perpetuation of myths and misconceptions regarding the character and abilities of this population. It argues that confidence and self-esteem are deeply connected to ability and should be regarded as constructive elements of the ego usually manifested in different types of introverted or extroverted behaviour. Wherever possible arguments will be backed by current and past research in social and abnormal psychology as well as specific case studies recorded by the author during the years he spent conducting research and working as a life-skills tutor at the Royal London Society for the Blind.

Keywords: Psychosocial adjustment, individual differences, visual impairment & blindness